The atmosphere in Leticia's room was heavy with tension as Marisol, Nicole, and Leticia sat in a circle, each lost in their own thoughts. The recent attack by Dark Moon had shaken Leticia up and even briefly had her questioning her alliance with the werewolves.
She'd barely survived that day; Nicole had been so angry that she'd almost snapped her neck in half and there was nothing she could do about it. Her powers were nothing compared to the witch bane's.
It'd been so surreal, the thought of her life flashing right in front of her eyes despite having spent most of it mastering protective spells, still sent shivers down her spine. Now, sitting in a circle with a witch bane and an all-powerful hybrid, Leticia couldn't help the apprehension she felt. They could end her life here and now if they wanted after all.
Yet, she forced her nerves down, steeling herself. She'd offered to help the hybrid witch better understand her own powers, and she wouldn't back down now.
Marisol shifted uncomfortably, a sense of responsibility weighing heavy on her shoulders. She knew that she needed to learn more about her powers if she was going to stand a chance against Guinevere and her forces, but the thought of delving deeper into the world of witchcraft filled her with a whirlpool of emotions, excitement and apprehension, taking the most of it.
"Leticia. I promise, I'm in a better headspace now, and I won't try to attack you. I was furious back then and rightfully so, but I understand now." Nicole finally broke the tense silence, and Leticia responded with a shrug.
She could not let them sense her fear, although it was with a sense of dread that Leticia realised that they could probably read her like an open book, owing to their powers.
"I understand, I would do worse if I were in your shoes."
Marisol glanced between both women. It was obvious that neither of them trusted the other, atleast not yet. Leticia was doing a good job at hiding her fear and the embarrassment she'd felt at being unable to save herself during the attack. And Nicole, well, she was trying, but Marisol was sure it wouldn't come so easy given their history.
"Good to know, so where do we start from," Nicole quipped, clapping her hands together, and Leticia finally seemed to loosen up a little.
"She needs to start with the basics," she answered, keeping her voice calm and steady. "We'll begin with practicing simple spells to gauge her abilities and understand how much she can handle."
Marisol nodded eagerly, grateful for Leticia's guidance. She knew that she had a long way to go before she could fully harness her powers, but she was thankful for Leticia's help and determined to learn as much as she could.
Nicole also nodded in understanding, her brows furrowed in concentration. "Is there anything I can do to help?" she asks, her voice betraying the slightest hint of anxiety.
Leticia looked to consider it for a moment before she shook her head. "I'm afraid not, Nicole," she answered quietly, "In fact, if we want Marisol to progress quickly, it would be best if you left her alone to focus on her training."
Nicole's face fell at that, disappointment evident in her features.
Leticia chuckled, visibly relaxed at the fact that this was a topic where she was the most knowledgeable. "Oh, don't worry." She dismissed with a wave of her hand, "I would even have to let her be at a point. She can only get to her peak alone."
Nicole nodded in agreement. She had always been fiercely protective of her daughter, and the thought of leaving her alone in such precarious times filled her with unease. But she knew that Leticia was right, Marisol needed space to grow and learn at her own pace.
With a heavy sigh, Nicole rose from her seat, leaving a reassuring pat on Marisol's back. "I'll be waiting for you outside," she said softly, a hint of sadness in her voice, "Don't hesitate to call if you need anything."
Marisol hummed, offering her mother a grateful smile. Despite the uncertainty that lingered in the air, she knew that Nicole's love and support would always be a constant and her guiding light.
When the door finally shut behind Nicole, Marisol turned her attention back to Leticia, a newfound determination burning in her eyes. She was ready to embrace her destiny, whatever it may hold.
She raised a questioning brow when she found Leticia regarding her with a thoughtful expression.
"So, where do we start?" Marisol asked, her voice tinged with anticipation.
Leticia's expression switched immediately, a wide smile brightening her features at Marisol's eagerness. "We'll start with something simple," she said, reaching for a small, intricately carved wooden box on the table beside her. With a flick of her wrist, the lid creaked open to reveal an assortment of herbs, crystals, and other mystical objects.